(n.) = ladder ; rib ; stairways ; stepladder. Ex: 2 metaphors in particular are considered: reading is a ladder; and reading is eating. Ex: The plank was hauled in and out between the cheeks by girths at each end which were wound round a small windlass underneath the ribs. Ex: Librarians must be made aware of the dangers of open floor bookstacks and open stairways and budgets must provide funds to achieve an acceptable level of fire safety. Ex: As a result, the worker lost his balance, fell off the stepladder, and fractured his right leg. ----* al pie de la escalera = at the foot of the stairs ; at the bottom of the stairs.* en lo alto de la escalera = at the top of the stairs.* escalera de caracol = winding stair ; spiralling staircase ; spiral staircase ; winding staircase.* escalera de cuerda = Jacob's ladder.* escalera de incendios = fire escape ; emergency stairs ; fire stairs.* escalera de mano = stepladder.* escalera deslizante = escalator.* escalera de tijera = stepladder.* escalera mecánica = escalator.* escalera plegable = telescopic ladder ; stepladder.* escalera rodante = escalator.* escaleras = stairs ; stairways.* hueco de la escalera = stairwell.* juego de serpientes y escaleras = game of chutes and ladders ; game of snakes and ladders.* tramo de escaleras = flight of stairs.